Dr. Mariangela Hungria, a leading researcher at EMBRAPA Soja, has been awarded the 2025 World Food Prize, the most prestigious international award in agricultural science, often referred to as the “Nobel Prize for Food and Agriculture.” She is the first Brazilian and only the second Latin American woman to receive this honor, recognized for her groundbreaking work using beneficial soil microorganisms to change tropical agriculture.
Her research in biological nitrogen fixation has yielded significant gains in productivity while reducing environmental impacts and making sustainable farming more accessible. According to the World Food Prize Foundation, her inputs are a model of science-driven innovation with local roots and global significance.
A scientist guided by curiosity and purpose
Dr. Hungria describes her career choice as something that came naturally to her: “Ever since I can remember, I wanted to understand how things work. I’ve always been fascinated by science.”
Her fascination began early, sparked by a book gifted by her grandmother that opened the doors to biology. That love of learning was nurtured by the women in her family. It was her mother who moved the family to São Paulo so Mariangela could access better schools and broader opportunities. These early influences helped shape not just her career, but her deep belief in education and public science.
With a background in biology, a Ph.D., and several international postdoctoral fellowships, she began her career at EMBRAPA in the early 1980s. For over four decades, she has worked at the intersection of basic science, applied innovation, and real-world farming, especially in tropical environments.
Innovation in living soils
At the core of her work is the development and application of biological inoculants, microorganisms applied to seeds or soil to transform atmospheric nitrogen into a form plants can use, thus boosting productivity and restoring soil health.
“Nature already offers solutions. Our role is to understand these mechanisms and make them available to farmers in a safe, efficient, and accessible way.”
Currently, around 40 million hectares of soybean fields in Brazil rely on inoculants developed through her research. This approach has reduced or removed the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers across much of the country’s production.
Productivity that protects the planet
According to EMBRAPA, the implementation of the biological nitrogen fixation process in Brazilian agriculture has prevented the emission of more than 200 million tons of CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e) into the atmosphere. This environmentally friendly approach also reduces nitrogen runoff, preserving the quality of soils and waterways across millions of hectares.
“It’s possible to have productivity and sustainability together. Soil isn’t just a physical support. It’s alive. And when treated well, it gives back in the form of food.”
Dr. Hungria’s methods are now referenced worldwide as part of the shift toward regenerative agriculture, systems that restore soil life, reduce chemical dependence, and promote resilience in food systems. Her work shows that tropical agriculture can be both productive and environmentally responsible, offering a model for innovation that is rooted in local biodiversity and adapted to global challenges.
Women in science and the power of collaboration
Mariangela is a major advocate for the importance of solidarity and shared leadership, particularly among female scientists.
“This is something I see as feminine in science. In my research group, we have people ranging from the Amazon to southern Brazil. When one of us faces any issue, the others step up. That kind of network keeps us going.”
Her story is deeply intertwined with the presence and support of other women, from her family roots to her scientific partnerships. It is a reminder that collaboration, care, and courage are not just values but forces that shape lasting innovation.
To young women entering into science fields, her message is clear: “Be resilient. Stay united. Fight hard. And raise your voice, because if we don’t show how important science is, the resources will go elsewhere.”
A milestone built by many hands
Although the award bears her name, Mariangela insists it belongs to her entire research team.
“This prize is not just mine. It’s the result of a collective effort — of years working side by side with a committed team that has walked this path with me.”
The World Food Prize, created by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Norman Borlaug, honors individuals who improve the quality, quantity, or availability of food at the global level. In honoring Dr. Mariangela Hungria, the committee acknowledged a legacy that redefines how science can benefit farmers, ecosystems, and future generations.
“Brazil has great creativity, strong training, and a willingness to work. We have huge potential. We just need to keep believing in it.”